Forums - ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?

Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register

04/27/24 at 08:56:43

Forums › EQUIPMENT FORUMS › ZMA

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›

Pages: 1

ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA? (Read 651 times)

bloodlemons

Senior Member

Posts: 94

ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
01/13/24 at 03:32:32

Will someone here please explain to me why running a ZSTAGE into my ZMA to boost the input level isn't a more direct and cleaner way to boost the overall volume with as short a signal path as possible? If running the system with the ZSTAGE sounds good and gets loud enough, what about the CSP3 would be superior (other than the inputs/headphone out, etc.)?

It probably sounds like a stupid or crazy question, but I can't help thinking that having only one single tube between my source and the amp should result in a cleaner signal than running the same signal through all of the various components of the a CSP3 before hitting the amp.

Thoughts? It seems counterintuitive that I would be right about this.

IP Logged

bloodlemons Senior Member Posts: 94	Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA? Reply #1 - 01/13/24 at 03:47:37 The answer is clean headroom, isn't it?
Back to top	IP Logged

JBzen Seasoned Member Posts: 1378	Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA? Reply #2 - 01/13/24 at 12:33:56 Depends. I had a Zstage and it did not provide clean headroom. It left it's own signature. Muddled the sound. Since it was sold a CPS2+ was added and the SE84 volume pot was remove. The options with the CSP2+ outweighs any muddling it introduces. John
Back to top	AMC CD8b>XO3>Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>braided silver/occ> Zrock2>CSP2+>SE84 milflex copper 25th>9AWG silver/copper braid>lii Crystal 10 in Huijgen cabinets. Ortofon 2M Black>JVC QL-F4/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3. Isolation. AC filtering. Room treatment. IP Logged

Tony

Seasoned Member

"Life without
..music is
inconceivable"
A.Einsteln

Posts: 627

Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Reply #3 - 01/13/24 at 15:33:06

I have had both a ZStage and a CSP 2+ and liked them both. If I had to choose between them, I would go with the CSP 2+ as its contribution was superior in my system. I'm sure the CSP 3 must be similar, perhaps better but I have not had that unit. Someone mentioned earlier liking the simplicity of the ZStage, and that is a point to consider. I think one would need to listen to both, then decide. That is what I did, and for what it is worth, the preamp was preferred.

IP Logged

bloodlemons Senior Member Posts: 94	Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA? Reply #4 - 01/13/24 at 17:20:47 Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I'm on the long waiting list for a CSP3, so I'll eventually find out either way. I suspect the advantage will be the ability to increase apparent volume without adding apparent "gain."
Back to top	IP Logged

Dominick

Seasoned Member

Still like that old
time Rock and Roll!!

Posts: 1163

Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Reply #5 - 01/13/24 at 21:09:06

The ZSTAGE was my first piece of Decware gear I bought over 10 years ago. Mine had the upgraded beeswax caps, and I have to say mine gave me clean gain. It worked great with my Torii and even with my Vinyl rig.

I just recently sold my ZSTAGE and upgraded to the CSP2+ with 25th Anniversay mods. The added gain of the CSP gave me more flexibility with my vinyl setup, in addition to more options with tube rolling. The ZSTAGE is definitely more of a purist and simplistic gain stage. Like a Tony said like them both, but after having my CSP I would never go back.

Dom

Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable,Rega Fono MK5, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood]

IP Logged

Pages: 1

Forums › EQUIPMENT FORUMS › ZMA

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›

UPLOAD IMAGES HERE